Why am I still hungry after meal replacement shakes? | IMPERIUM GRP PTE LTD

Wellness

Why am I still hungry after meal replacement shakes?

3 mins to read

Meal replacement shakes or liquid meal replacements can be a great way to supplement solid food if you are looking to have a healthier body to achieve an ideal shape or lose weight.

Unfortunately, nutritional supplements — especially protein powder which is one of the most popular dieting shakes on the market often have fewer calories and lack the proper nutrients needed to stay full throughout the day.

Constant hunger pangs can lead to yo-yo dieting, which is not only ineffective but harmful to your health.

Instead of thinking of meal replacements as an option to control hunger, it should be seen as a tool to reshape your meal plan to support habits that will lead to a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Why am I still hungry?

1. You are probably dehydrated

This is one of the most common reasons. People assume that they are hungry when they are not drinking enough water.

Because hunger and thirst signals come from the same part of the brain, it is often misinterpreted as signals for hunger. This is also why drinking water works as a temporary appetite suppressant for most people.

Instead of going straight to the vending machine when you think you’re hungry, drink a big glass of water, wait 20 minutes and then decide how you feel.

2. You are not eating enough protein

Protein has been known to increase satiety. Therefore, it is important to consume more protein in your regular meals to help reduce hunger as this will allow you to achieve your weight loss goals.

To increase protein intake in your protein shakes, you can add more eggs or even greek yoghurt with fruits and vegetables to increase the nutrition and satiety levels. Adding fruits and vegetables can also help you get enough fibre in your diet.

3. You are just not eating enough

If you aren’t consuming enough calories in your diet, you’re going to be hungry and when you are hungry, your brain will send signals for you to eat high-calorie, salty and sugary foods which will end up spiking your blood sugar and messing up your diet. Basically, the hungrier you are the more you will crave the stuff you’re trying to avoid!

It’s true that when you are on a diet it creates a calorie deficit within your body but cutting calories to the bone can put you in that hunger danger zone.

4. You can eat and still drink your shake for weight loss

In order to lose weight, most people tend to drink a protein shake that is only water or milk and thinks that they aren’t allowed to eat anything with it.

This is not true as you are allowed to have a snack as well to ensure you still meet your required caloric needs to keep yourself full for longer.

If you want to lose weight, you should focus on eating meals to stay full for longer.

5. You forgot how to feel hungry

Just because you don’t feel full, it doesn’t mean that you’re hungry.

Oftentimes if you are used to eating large meals and constantly feeling stuff you might not understand the feeling of satisfaction.

That feeling of an “empty” stomach isn’t the same as feeling hungry.

Symptoms of hunger can include a growling stomach, headaches, and the feeling of being lightheaded.

If you start to “feel” hungry but you just ate, ask yourself: “Am I experiencing symptoms of hunger or could it be something else?”

6. You are still adjusting

When you begin a new diet not only do you have to learn and adjust to true hunger signals, and recognize cravings, your brain has to adjust to the number of calories you are now consuming.

If you recently cut your calories dramatically, you’re going to be hungry at first.

Eventually, your body will adjust to the change in food amount and figure out your new appetite.

When Is The Best Time To Take Meal Replacement Shakes?

1. At breakfast

Taking a meal replacement shake at breakfast is the most convenient way to utilize this tool to control hunger as breakfast is seen as the most important meal of the day.

Skipping breakfast often leads to weight gain because when you feel hungry you tend to look for high-calorie foods.

Meal replacement shakes are simple and light, yet nutritious, with a great supply of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients (protein and carbs) to promote energy early in the day when you need it most.

2. As a pre-workout or post-workout fitness supplement

Many meal replacement shakes for fitness contain whey protein, which is an awesome source of liquid protein that promotes muscle repair and recovery. This is due to whey protein’s amazing amino acid profile.

Taking a meal replacement shake as part of your pre-or post-workout meal will supply your muscles with quality amino acids that are important to your workout recovery and ultimately to your weight loss.

Keep in mind that you can add other ingredients to your meal replacement shakes, such as fruits and vegetables, to meet your energy and nutrient needs throughout the day.

3. As a healthy snack in between meals

Another great time to take a meal replacement shake is when you are just feeling hungry.

Because of the convenience meal replacement shakes Singapore offers, you can easily store a serving in a shaker bottle and mix it up at work or wherever you are just feeling hungry.